United Church of Christ
United in Spirit and inspired by God’s grace, we welcome all, love all, and seek justice for all.
The Minnesota Conference United Church of Christ (UCC) equips a courageous Church alive with Christ’s transforming love.
Where the Creator and creation pray, play, and wonder together
Winter Spiritual Immersion Retreat
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, that you may discern the will of the Spirit – what is good and enough.” Romans 12:2 (adapt.)
While we often think of winter as a time of cold temperatures and shoveling snow, winter is also a time of respite and reflection. Outdoor Ministry of the Minnesota Conference invites you to experience both during our Winter Spiritual Immersion. Each day will have space for meditation, worship, conversation, good food, and plenty of free time, as we intentionally set aside the outside noises of our lives and “breathe in” the natural wonders with all our senses.
- When: February 11 (6 pm) – February 13 (11:30 am)
- Where: Clearwater Forest Camp and Retreat Center, Deerwood, MN (you will have a warm bed in the Leaning Tree Lodge!
- Cost: $200 (actual price), $150 subsidized price, $100 subsidized with added scholarship, or contact Rev. Sheri Nelson for more scholarship funding
- Ages: Adult; limited to 20 participants
- Registration closes January 14; REGISTER HERE
FourTHursday
Let’s Talk Outdoor Ministry & Youth Faith Formation
January 27, 2022 | 12:00-1:30 p.m.
Gather in person or via Zoom for conversation with a supportive community of colleagues. January’s topic will be the upcoming 2022 full season of Outdoor Ministry programs and retreat for all ages and a preview of the exciting opportunities for youth throughout the year and a preview of the Summer 2022 Youth Immersion Trip. REGISTER and LEARN MORE
We were able to safely gather—completely outside—for the Women’s Wilderness Retreat September 24–26. Watch this brief video we made in celebration of our time together.
Creation Justice Series
Over four Zoom events, talented speakers presented on different environmental topics for individuals, families, and congregations.
Planetary Health- Co-Creating a Better Future for All
April 22, 7:00-8:30 pm
Presenter: Teddie M. Potter, PhD, RN, FAAN
WATCH & LISTEN
What do COVID-19, structural racism, and the devastating wildfires in the western United States have in common? They are all symptoms of a planet in multi-system failure. But it is not too late for all of us to work together to co-create a healthier future. Learn more
“Kiss the Ground” documentary discussion with Rep. Todd Lippert and the Land Stewardship Project
April 10, 10-11:30 am
WATCH & LISTEN
Right now, soil might be the last thing on your mind. But when the future of our planet and humankind is at stake, nothing may be more important than regenerating the ground beneath us. We’re in need of a kind of hope we’ve never felt before. “Kiss the Ground” unveils a game-changer to our climate crisis: the Earth’s own soil. Learn more
What is Permaculture?
March 18, 7:00-8:30 pm
WATCH HERE
Heidi Morlock and Hans Peterson related stories of experimenting for 20 years with permaculture principles and sustainable agriculture at both the garden and farm scale.
How Then Shall We Live? Putting Faith Values into Earth Practice
February 18, 7:00- 8:30 pm
WATCH HERE
Christian faith like other religions calls us to live in harmony with the planet and peace with one another. But how exactly do we do that in our daily lives in the society in which we live? How do we choose our next steps amid the myriad of “green” options? Learn more
The Green Awakening: Churches and Environmental Justice Today
January 14, 7:00-8:30 pm
Presenter: Rev. Brooks Berndt
WATCH HERE
In the 1730s and 40s, Christian revivalism caught hold as the First Great Awakening swept through the colonies and ultimately formed part of our UCC heritage. The next Great Awakening will be a Green Awakening, and the UCC can play a significant role in leading it. Learn more
Creation Justice Resources
- How to become a Creative Justice church
- Mankato UCC service and outreach
- Land Stewardship Project legislative update
- Land Stewardship Project soil builders
- Land Stewardship Project “Sacred Cow” film screening; Q&A
- Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act
- Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light
- ISAIAH
- Fair Trade Campaigns
- Equal Exchange
- Sierra Club
- NAACP
- 350.org
- Planetary Health Annual Meeting
- Planetary Health Alliance
- Earth Overshoot Day
- Lancet Journal
- Project Drawdown
- Nurses Drawdown
- The Great Transition
- The Green Boat by Mary Phyfer
- Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming by Paul Hawken
- Earthrise by Amanda Gorman
- The Seven Fires Prophesy of the Anishinaabe